The Impact of Puzzle-Based Game With Scaffolding-Aid on Cultural Heritage Learning: Evidence From Eye Movements

The pedagogical value and global relevance of heritage education regarding the safeguarding of global tradition and practice for future generations is indisputable. This research aims to investigate the efficacy of integrating a puzzle-based game, with scaffolding strategies, to enhance students’ understanding and appreciation of cultural heritage content. In the activity, students are tasked with reconstructing art patterns from cultural heritage artifacts, a process which is designed to bolster their performance in recognizing and appreciating such patterns. A control group, utilizing a non-interactive instructional video with the same content, was also established to contrast and evaluate the benefits of the game-based approach. The evaluation of knowledge acquisition and transfer was conducted through pattern tests, with the participants’ eye movements recorded during the testing process. The results show that the participants in the game group exhibited significant advantages in terms of efficiently recognizing fundamental content and effectively transferring pattern recognition. Furthermore, the examination of the visual behavior within the game reveals that the integration of the jigsaw puzzle (game mechanic) and scaffolding (instructional strategy) can enhance the efficacy and cognitive strategies employed by participants in comprehending heritage content. This study develops design methodologies for cultural heritage games that enhances learning and appreciation.